St. James Cathedral Tours

St. James Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral
St. James Cathedral showing a church or cathedral
St. James Cathedral featuring a park
St. James Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral
St. James Cathedral


A well-known Catholic church located in the lively area of Downtown Orlando, this beautiful renovated building has a Romanesque revival style.

St. James Cathedral is a popular place of worship and the seat of the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando. Visit its elegant edifice with restored original features, including a light-colored stone façade. See the beautiful interior and listen to religious songs performed by the church’s choir.

The first church ever built on the site dates to the year 1891. It was a simple wooden building with a small bell tower. In 1976, when a great fire destroyed the original Cathedral of the Diocese of Orlando, St. James was chosen to replace it. The building underwent a few renovations over the years. Many of the architectural elements that you can now admire were renovated or added in 2009. The façade and the large rose window were restored. The huge organ and the choir area were enlarged. A new marble altar was built. Look for the baptismal font and tabernacle throne brought from Italy.

While you are visiting St. James Cathedral, make sure to stop at the church’s gift shop. Parishioners of the church staffing the shop are very helpful and friendly. Find gift ideas for weddings, baptisms, birthdays and anniversaries. Select from statues, medals, rosaries and intricately crafted crucifixes. You can also buy books and Bibles, both in English and Spanish. One section is dedicated to children.

The parish organizes a school and a choir. St. James Cathedral School is located near the church and is a nationally recognized blue-ribbon school. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a government initiative that recognizes schools with high levels of student achievement. Listen to the choirs singing at Mass once a month. They follow the curriculum of the prestigious Royal School of Church Music.

If you are driving to St. James Cathedral find parking spaces diagonally across from the cathedral’s entrance. Alternatively reach the area via the commuter rail system SunRail. There are two stations nearby, Church Street Station and LYNX Central Station.

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Best Lodging Options Near St. James Cathedral

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Downtown

4 out of 5
60 South Ivanhoe Boulevard, Orlando, FL
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown

3 out of 5
730 N Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL
Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown
Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown

Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown

2.5 out of 5
401 North Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL
Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown
Crowne Plaza Orlando - Downtown by IHG

Crowne Plaza Orlando - Downtown by IHG

3.5 out of 5
304 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL
Crowne Plaza Orlando - Downtown by IHG
Hilton Garden Inn Orlando Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Orlando Downtown

3 out of 5
401 North Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL
Hilton Garden Inn Orlando Downtown
AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown

AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown

2.5 out of 5
333 South Garland Avenue, Orlando, FL
AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown
Marriott Orlando Downtown

Marriott Orlando Downtown

3.5 out of 5
400 W Livingston St, Orlando, FL
Marriott Orlando Downtown
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown

3.5 out of 5
191 E Pine St, Orlando, FL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown
Grand Bohemian Orlando, Autograph Collection

Grand Bohemian Orlando, Autograph Collection

4.5 out of 5
325 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL
Grand Bohemian Orlando, Autograph Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. James Cathedral

Near St. James Cathedral in Orlando, Florida, visitors can enjoy live music, theater performances, and golf. Key activities include exploring the stunning St. James Catholic Cathedral, visiting nearby theme parks, taking scenic drives, and participating in guided tours. This vibrant area offers a mix of cultural experiences and entertainment options for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

For shopping near St. James Cathedral, visit Lee Road Shopping Center, just 3 miles away, and Curry Ford East Shopping Center, 2 miles away, both offering family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out All Fired Up, located 4 miles from the cathedral, for unique gifts.

Recreation

At the Kia Center, enjoy an energetic atmosphere with various sports activities, just 0.5 miles from St. James Cathedral. The Social, located 0.2 miles away, offers live music and a vibrant entertainment scene. For a relaxing day outdoors, visit Shingle Creek Golf Course, 9 miles from the cathedral.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Universal’s Volcano Bay, a vibrant waterpark 8 miles from St. James Cathedral, perfect for family fun. For an exhilarating adventure, head to iFly Orlando, also 8 miles away, where you can try indoor skydiving and feel the rush of flight. Don’t miss the Orlando Kart Center, 9 miles away, for exciting kart racing.

Nightlife

Catch a show at the Plaza Theatre, just 2 miles from St. James Cathedral, offering a blend of culture and romance. For family fun, visit AirHeads Indoor Trampoline Arena, 3 miles away, or enjoy thrills at Cross Country Creek, a theme park ride located 5 miles from the cathedral.

Find the best attractions near St. James Cathedral

Visiting St. James Cathedral in Orlando offers a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Explore nearby urban parks, serene lakes, and the local art museum, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the stunning architecture of the beautiful cathedral itself, making it a noteworthy stop on your journey. Discover the charm of St. James Cathedral and the vibrant attractions surrounding it for a delightful vacation experience.

  • Tinker Field: Located 2 miles from St. James Cathedral, Tinker Field is a historic site rich in culture. Once home to baseball games, it now serves as a venue for concerts and community events, making it a vibrant part of Orlando's heritage.
  • Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Just 0.6 miles away, this arts center is a cultural hub featuring stunning architecture. It hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to classical concerts, ensuring a memorable experience for art enthusiasts.
  • Orange Avenue: A lively street located 0.5 miles from the cathedral, Orange Avenue is lined with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Its energetic atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to explore Orlando's urban charm.

Best time to go to St. James Cathedral

Visitor numbers around St. James Cathedral is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit St. James Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St. James Cathedral falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around St. James Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May77.2°F (25.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June81.1°F (27.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July82.4°F (28.0°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.6°F (28.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September80.4°F (26.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December64.4°F (18.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. James Cathedral

To save money during your visit to St. James Cathedral in Orlando, take advantage of the free entry. Plan your trip between August to September or November for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Tuesdays for the best prices. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and opportunities to earn future rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. James Cathedral are August to September and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around St. James Cathedral about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. James Cathedral is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. James Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool gives you the flexibility to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotel options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your St. James Cathedral hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.